Work on the Dark Sky Observatory in Davagh Forest, near Cookstown, took another step forward with Mid Ulster Council’s development committee agreeing to proceed to the funding application stage for phase 2, with ratification by the council expected at the end of this month.

The local community have “justified concerns” about prospecting activities in the Sperrins and the future intentions of the companies involved, Mid Ulster SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone said after leading a cross-party delegation to meet the Department for Economy.